Los Angeles Clippers signs and agreement with Neil Olshey - NBA Update
Los Angeles Clippers announced that an agreement in principal has been reached between the franchise and Vice President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey. The terms of the agreement were kept discreet.
Neil is acknowledged for assembling the most successful squad in the franchise history. Before the 66 games shortened season he put together Chris Paul, Caron Butler, Nick Young, Chauncey Billups, Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin.
He also re-signed DeAndre Jordan.
Previously it was learnt that Olshey made a trip to London. He met Portland Trail Blazers throne keeper Paul Allen for the vacant GM position. He was working for the Clips without a contract since last August, he become the most
suitable candidate or the Portland post.
However he refrained from making any comments about the development.
"I don't have any comment on my situation right now."
This was his second season as Clips’ VP of basketball operations, while he has been associated with the franchise for the last 9 years. He started his career as Director of Player Development before 2003-4 -season, and he also
served as the assistant coach during the season. He then went on to assume the responsibility of Director of Player Personnel from 2005-08. Before being named as the VP he served as Assistant General Manager for 2 seasons from 2008-2010.
He roped in Vinny Del Negro after running an exhaustive search for the coach prior to 2010-11 season. His biggest achievement by far is the successful execution of Chris Paul trade, the biggest trade in the club’s history.
He strengthened LAC bench by acquiring Trey Thompkins and Travis Leslie in the 2nd round of NBA draft. He then went on to fish from the free agency. He signed in veterans Reggie Evans and Kenyon Martin just before the
trade dead line.
Before boarding LAC Neil used to serve as Director of Player Development for SFX Sports Group, Inc. he used to organize pre-draft and off season training camps for emerging and current NBA players.
With superstar like Blake Griffin and Mo Williams already on the roster Clippers became the most feared team in the league.
They finished off the regular season with a 40-26 record and made it deep into the playoffs for the 3rd time in franchise history. They were ousted by Sacramento Kings in the playoffs second round.
Clippers finished the regular season with a .606 winning percentage and with Neil and Del Negro on the squad it can be hoped that they will penetrate deep into the playoffs next season.
That was the reason he was voted 3rd in the 2011-12 NBA Executive of the Year award.
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